Travelling to Austria is a breathtaking experience for those who enjoy alpine adventures, classic European architecture, and classical music. German is the national language here, and the capital city of Vienna is known for having some of the best cultural experiences and hotel amenities. The country has a high standard of living and is the 12th-richest country in the world. After industry, tourism is the most important component of the Austrian economy. Austria is unique in Europe in that it generates about half of its power through hydroelectric plants. Renewable energy produces nearly 63 percent of the power consumed in the country. Travellers here can enjoy this "green" atmosphere with all the comforts of home.
Whatever season you choose to visit Austria in, you will find a wealth of activities to keep you entertained and hotels to keep you comfortable. For summer tourists there is walking, hiking and cycling around the country’s many stunning lakes and mountains. In winter, there is a thriving ski scene and Christmas markets. The different cities offer a lots of culture, from experiencing the national opera in Vienna to retracing the steps of Mozart in Salzburg.
Where to Stay in Austria
Upper Austria: One of the most beautiful provinces, boasting alpine lakes and spas, Upper Austria is a feast for the eyes. Along the Salzkammergutweg you will find stunning bathing lakes and warm thermal springs. Lake Attersee is famed for its excellent sailing conditions and Lake Mondsee, known as the warmest lake, attracts plenty of bathers. Book a hotel in Upper Austria for an unforgettable experience.
Lower Austria: Home to the country’s capital Vienna, Lower Austria is a cultural gem. Families and cyclists can travel the Danube cycle route whilst wine lovers can find a tipple to suit them in the Thermenregion or in the imperial city of Baden. Book a hotel in the capital and visit the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, which is rich in history and the Laxenburg Castle, a few miles south is a sight to behold.
Salzburg: The birthplace of Mozart, the Salzburg Festival and also the backdrop for The Sound of Music, the Salzburg region is a veritable feast for the senses. The city of Salzburg itself is a designated World Heritage Site with a rich tapestry of architecture dating back to the medieval times and before. A hotel in Salzburg won’t disappoint the history lovers, as there are an extraordinary number of museums, palaces, and castles to explore. For those with families the Salzburg Zoo and the Toy Museum are both well worth a visit.
Carinthia: This region of southern Austria is a magnet for nature enthusiasts with beautiful lakes and majestic mountains thrown together in perfect symmetry. There are more than 200 clean swimming lakes but for those who want something even more luxurious the Kärnten Therme spa provides a truly relaxing experience for adults and fun-filled flumes and water rides for children.
Styria: Called the “Green Heart” of Austria because of its vast forests and welcoming vineyards, here you can find the architecturally stunning Kunsthaus Graz that houses an amazing art collection.
Book a Hotel and Explore Austria
Vienna is full of magnificent buildings so take your camera and check out some of the historical sites. The Imperial Palace, the Tiergarten and Zoo and Kuntshistorisches Museum are just a few of the treasures you will find. Of course, if you prefer to take in the natural beauty, head out of the cities and book a hotel near the serene waters of Hallstatt Lake or visit Innsbruck, as famous for its skiing as it is its postcard-worthy scenery.
Austria is a great place for getting active. Hire some ski equipment and head to the slopes around Innsbruck or take a hike along the Grossglockner Alpine Road. If you’re more of a summer person, head to one of the many lakes and try your hand at the different water sports on offer. You can get your strength back afterwards, enjoying a Wiener Schnitzel washed down with a cold Austrian beer.
